[Untitled], 28th day of 9th month of Keio, 3d year, (October 25, 1867.)

[Untitled]

His Excellency R. B. Van Valkenburgh, Minister Resident of the United States :

I have the honor to communicate to your excellency the following: You were kind enough to advise me through Edzure Kanga no Kami, governor for foreign affairs, and again in your letter No. 80, of September 16, of the benefit and convenience to our two countries which would accrue by the appointment of a consul for Japan, to reside at San Francisco, and to mention Mr. Charles Walcott Brooks as an honest man, and one competent to fill that position.

I am aware of the services which Mr. Brooks has rendered the Japanese government for some years past, and for which we are much obliged to him.

As the United States was the first to conclude a treaty with Japan and to open the country to foreign trade, and since the establishment of the mail steamers between San Francisco and Yokohama will increase the trade and friendship between the two powers, and largely augment the travel of Japanese to America, we have judged best to appoint a consul at San Francisco, and according to your advice the government has appointed Mr. Brooks to that position. I have the honor to enclose herewith his commission, which I beg that you will forward to him. I also send a translation of the same for your information.

Whenever our government shall order any articles through him, he will be paid a commission of five per cent. of their value; and when his consular duties shall take him away from his business, a proper compensation will be paid to him.

I beg that your excellency will communicate this to your government and procure Mr. Brooks’s recognition as consul.

Although the governors for foreign affairs have written to Mr. Brooks, yet I beg to request that you will write him more particularly upon this subject.

I take this opportunity to express my thanks for your many kindnesses toward us.

With respect and consideration,